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Flag flown in Afghanistan displayed in computing center

by Thom Myers

June 29, 2011 | WMU News

Flag from U.S. base in Kunduz, Afghanistan

KALAMAZOO--A U.S. flag flown at a forward operating base in Afghanistan was donated in 2010 to Western Michigan University and is now displayed in the first-floor lobby of the University Computing Center.

WMU staff member Edward Kluk, a retired Lt. Col. and Bronze Star recipient in the Michigan National Guard, presented the flag to the Board of Trustees at its April 2010 meeting, after which ROTC cadets raised the flag at Seibert Administration Building in a brief ceremony. The flag flew from April through September 2009 over the base Kluk commanded in Kunduz, Afghanistan.

The display includes a certificate of authenticity and a plaque stating the flag is dedicated to all military service personnel from Western Michigan University who, since Sept. 11, 2001, have selflessly placed themselves in harm's way to support operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world.

A 25-year employee of WMU, Kluk is assistant director of customer services in information technology.